RATT Post-Doc Fellowship

Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques & Technologies (RATT) / Department of Physics & Electronics

Application deadline: 01 December 2012

Rhodes University is calling for applications for a post-doctoral fellowship in the field of radio astronomy calibration and imaging algorithms. Rhodes University has established the Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques and Technologies (RATT) based around the SKA Research Chair in RATT held by Prof Oleg Smirnov. In collaboration with the Radio Astronomy Research Group (RARG) of the MeerKAT project, RATT conducts research into novel radio astronomy calibration, imaging, data analysis algorithms, software and techniques that are urgently required by the next generation of radio telescopes and by the science they are designed to deliver.

We are looking for two kinds of candidates: radio astronomers with a strong interest in techniques, algorithms and software, or mathematicians and/or signal processing specialists with a strong interest in radio astronomy. The position thus requires a PhD in one of the related disciplines (astronomy, astrophysics, signal processing, mathematics, applied mathematics). The ideal candidate will have some experience of dealing with radio interferometric data, will be familiar with current data reduction software packages and methods, will have proven software development skills, and will have a strong interest in the development of new calibration techniques, and the applications of these to drive new science with current and future observatories.

RATT post-doctoral fellows are able to (and are expected to) spend a significant fraction of their time on their own research projects. Collaboration with other institutions worldwide, and participation in observational programs with leading radio observatories (EVLA, LOFAR, E-MERLIN, GMRT, WSRT, ATCA, EVN, ALMA, ASKAP, etc.) is essential and encouraged, as is collaboration with groups at South African universities that are actively involved in large surveys and projects using these instruments. In addition to their own research, the post-doctoral fellows are expected to supervise and co-supervise PhD and MSc students at RATT.

The value of the fellowship is fixed at the standard SKA SA post-doctoral bursary level, which (as of 2013) is ZAR 325,000 per annum, tax-free. Additional equipment and travel funding will be available. The appointment is for two years, with a one-year extension subject to satisfactory progress.

Interested candidates should submit a CV, bibliography, brief summary of research, and three letters of recommendation by December 1, 2012. Applications will start to be considered from that date until the position is filled. Inquiries, applications and letters of recommendation should be sent to Prof Oleg Smirnov, o.smirnov@ru.ac.za.

Department of Physics & Electronics • Rhodes University

P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140 South Africa Tel: +27-46-603-7535 • Fax: +27-46-603-8757

Email: o.smirnov@ru.ac.za • Web: http://scifac.ru.ac.za/ratt